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PM Confirms Customs Comptroller’s Resignation, citing “Willful Neglect”, Boddu Says He’s Simply Stressed

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PM Confirms Customs Comptroller’s Resignation, citing “Willful Neglect”, Boddu Says He’s Simply Stressed

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu, who stepped down from his post this week, citing health-related stress — even as PM Browne points to what he describes as “willful neglect” linked to recent breaches in the purchase of government vehicles.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Browne disclosed that Boddu’s resignation comes amid an ongoing review of procurement practices within the Customs and Revenue Departments.

Several senior officers have also been reassigned as part of efforts to tighten oversight and prevent future procedural lapses.

Boddu, who served in the role for several years, says that the pressures of the job had become overwhelming and were taking a toll on his health. In his resignation letter, he said remaining in the position would only worsen his condition.

While the Prime Minister acknowledged Boddu’s years of dedicated service, he emphasized that accountability must remain paramount.

“We have to ensure that systems are respected and that the integrity of our institutions is never compromised,” Browne told the Lower House.

The resignation follows reports that vehicles were procured without full Cabinet approval, sparking concern over procedural compliance within the department.

All this comes as a comprehensive internal investigation is now underway to determine the extent of any wrongdoing.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/17/pm-confirms-customs-comptrollers-resignation-citing-willful-neglect-boddu-says-hes-simply-stressed. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (18)

  • Apex Jones October 17, 2025, 7:45 AM

    Well I guess the willful neglect the PM spoke of exasperated his condition. I hope I use that word in the right context. Hahahah help
    Reply

    • The Age of Aquarius ♒ October 17, 2025, 8:29 AM

      Exacerbated is more appropriate, @Apex Jones
      Reply

  • Me nuh lucky like dem October 17, 2025, 8:29 AM

    So what about the Ambassador aka The Blackest Hadeed?
    Are you going to let him get away with his crimes and misdemeanor and allow Mr Badu to take the fall?
    Any punishment for the wife of the PM who seems embroiled in the scandal?
    What happens to the Broncos/Pickups/SUV’s can we see the names of the people who received the most generous of handouts with OUR money?
    Reply

    • 👁️ 👁️ October 17, 2025, 8:41 AM

      Allegedly, Mr, Badu done high tail it outta yah! In other words he garn… he scurried like a rat. There will be NO FALL guy. 😁😄😆🤪
      Reply

    • Jason October 17, 2025, 11:34 AM

      AH!! Heard Baba Bobol also hightail to Miami but he the instigaroe and dwaker for years and knows were the bodies are!
      Reply

  • Watching@ October 17, 2025, 8:31 AM

    Accountability? This man has the audacity to speak of Accountability? No audited reports laid before parliament, as required by law, of Social security, medical benefits, the infamous NAMCO, Blue Ocean, National Housing to name a few. No information on the Air Peace/ LIAT deal, a mysteriously missing file on the Alpha Nero sale; no disclosure on the Friars Hill / Public Works deal with his son, the Barbuda Irma relief money gone missing.
    What an unconscionable, hypocrite! Now Public Works,his wife’s ministry is corrupt? Wow! Antigua IS a special place
    Reply

  • We are tired of the blatant lies October 17, 2025, 10:57 AM

    The trick is by next year he died with medical benefits millions of dollars heart, stay in his country live as a millionaire they blame just him and everything go away Antiguan love to keep fighting over staying in poverty and the rich get richer BUT GOD ONE DAY.
    Reply

  • Tromos October 17, 2025, 12:55 PM

    If the PM’s statement is accurate, then this needs proper investigation Customs is too vital to be mismanaged.
    Reply

    • Rachael October 18, 2025, 7:26 AM

      Poor Boddu.
      Reply

  • Informed citizen October 17, 2025, 12:55 PM

    Willful neglect’ versus ‘just stressed’ that’s quite the contrast! Something tells me there’s more to this story than we’re hearing. Either way, Customs doesn’t exactly inspire confidence right now.
    Reply

  • AM October 17, 2025, 7:17 PM

    Raju Booddu served this country with unwavering dedication. He became the key force behind automation and progress within Antigua and Barbuda’s customs and excise system, boldly challenging the so-called ‘best practices’ that were often just covers for systemic corruption. Any true —born, bred,guh dead Antiguan knows that such a task would never be on a local comptroller’s reform list. That’s because we are a tribal people who easily protect, either passively or actively, those we see as ‘one of us,’ especially when it benefits our personal, always financially motivated, agendas. Raju Booddu will be remembered as the bloodhound who sniffed out every hint of latent criminality rotting in the system from the moment he took charge. And now? Now this inept prime minister takes the chance to shield his young wife—the woman he secretly mentored in the dark art of ‘creative enrichment’—but forgot to teach her how to hide the paper trail. He will trample over anyone and everyone to protect his inner circle of thieves and profiteers. Chet, get ready—your turn is coming. We know everything about those vehicles. We know what you purchased, even though many of us can’t afford food. Your wife decided that we, the people, would fund her ride-sharing business for the rich, the famous, and the corrupt police. The receipts are real. The evidence is documented. The reckoning is unavoidable.
    Reply

  • Leah October 17, 2025, 8:12 PM

    You have some nerve to say wilfully neglect when you willfully neglecting to do what is right
    Reply

  • Flash October 17, 2025, 8:24 PM

    Badu run….so when the place come rumbling down you’re not there
    Reply

  • D Vaughn October 17, 2025, 8:27 PM

    So many people are at fault yet only a few heads rolling
    Reply

  • Dark Chocolate October 17, 2025, 8:31 PM

    People with integrity cannot work in government
    Reply

  • Anonymous October 18, 2025, 8:51 AM

    The man is stressed like most public servants who are fed up with shit
    Reply

  • Nyahrie October 18, 2025, 2:30 PM

    PM it is time for a cabinet reshuffle. Don’t blame Boddu. Blame your entire circle
    Reply

  • Missy October 23, 2025, 4:30 PM

    Why antigua always messy?
    Reply

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